BERACHA SHALOM SYNAGOGUE

This synagogue, Beracha v'Shalom (Blessing and Peace), was inaugurated in 1685. At the time, it was the only synagogue in the New World. According to the Talmud, it was to be placed on a hill, so as to become the tallest building in the city. Its dimensions were 28 m long and 12 m wide. In addition, the synagogue was adjacent to a river, in order to access the naturally flowing water for purification rituals. Its floor is also covered with white sand, like the one currently standing in Paramaribo.